Italy's Pelma designs coronavirus face mask

MODENA, Italy—Flexible foam company Pelma S.p.A. has developed a disposable face mask using polyurethane foam that could be useful against exposure to the coronavirus.

"We started making filters for surgical ventilators over 20 years ago, Geno Alboresi said. The project to design and make the masks started 10 days ago. Pelma put a prototype into production within 24 hours of starting the design," he said.

"The idea is to use polyurethane foam to make face masks. These are being tested and the results are due by the end of the week," he said.

Testing revolves around the biocompatibility of polyurethane and human skin. "We are sure that everything will be good, but we are waiting for the results," he added.

Although it is not clear how many masks Pelma will be able to make at this stage, they all will be destined for Italy because of the current export restrictions

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